The Los Angeles Lakers are going to need to make some moves this offseason. Their early playoff exit showed that the current Lakers roster isn’t quite ready to compete for an NBA championship. With limited trade assets and salary cap restrictions, the Lakers are going to need to make some winning moves on the margins. Here are our top three realistic Lakers free agent targets for this offseason.
3. Chris Boucher
Chris Boucher has been stuck in Toronto, unable to really get back into the regular rotation for the last couple of seasons. He is ready for a fresh start. Boucher has shown the ability to be a quality wing defender and rim protector, two things the Lakers desperately need next season. Additionally, Boucher is an efficient scorer, averaging 10 points in 17.2 minutes per game on nearly 50% shooting from the field and 36.3% shooting from three. Those numbers will only go up with LeBron James and Luka Dončić feeding him open shots.
2. Al Horford
If Al Horford wants to get a run at another championship, the Lakers could be a good option. Horford is a proven winner who, despite his age (39) is still playing productive basketball. As a Lakers free agent target, he really only makes sense if he comes with a pay cut. Horford would be a veteran leader and an x-factor for the Lakers to lean on in the playoffs. He can no longer shoulder a heavy minutes load during the regular season.
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1. Kevon Looney
Kevon Looney remains criminally underrated. The Lakers need a rebounding big man who can hold his own defensively, and Looney can be that guy. Still somehow under 30 years old, Looney has three championships of experience as well. He’s incredibly durable, gritty, and smart. Looney also has been one of the best rebounders in the league over the last few seasons. He brings intangibles that will be indispensable for a Lakers team that doesn’t really have an identity yet. Above all, the Lakers could likely get him for cheap.
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